My Morning Routine

For many years, I've tried (and failed) to create a morning routine that I can stick to. One that will start my day on the right foot, and bring a sense of balance and equanimity into my day.

As part of my yoga therapy training with Inner Peace Yoga, I think I have finally found something that works for me. I love the feeling of constantly adding to my toolbox, and as I learn new techniques, new practices through my training, I believe I have created something that is working for me. Of course, there's a caveat. This is working for me right now. I have flexibility of time, I control my own schedule --> this was not always the case pre-pandemic, and may not be the case post-pandemic (whenever the heck that will be). I realize that I have a lot of privilege, not having kids or pets, and a husband who tucks himself away in his home office every day.

But with all that said, here it is:

I usually wake up around 6:30 or so without the alarm. My husband is still sleeping, so I quietly get my robe on and go out into the kitchen to make coffee. Before I leave the bed though, I try to center myself with saying "I am" to myself while placing my hand on my heart. I don't always do this, but it's great when I remember.

As my coffee is brewing, I drink some room temperature water from a copper cup, scrape my tongue, and pour some lemon water to sip on.

After my coffee is made, I head into my home office, a beautiful space that I've created that brings me closer to Mom with its pink décor and comforting smell. I write my morning pages - three handwritten pages written in a train-of-thought method.

By this point, I hear my husband stirring, so I go back out to the kitchen to greet him. We make breakfast (today was oatmeal with strawberries, bananas, and walnuts) and chat a bit. He heads into his home office to begin his work day and I head into my home yoga space.

I start with a meditation from the Ten Percent Happier app. It's fun when they do challenges, like they are now. The challenge today is Taming Anxiety, something I could definitely use right now. After meditating for about 15 minutes with the app, I begin my morning kriya - a series of repetitive movements coordinated with rhythmic breathing. This lasts about 30 minutes.

After that, I may continue with a deeper yoga practice: more meditation, or some asana work. Or I'll come back into my office to do some writing, email correspondence or writing. Usually, I'll refresh my coffee and sit down to the do the New York Times crossword puzzle.

And then I'm ready to start my day! I try my hardest to not check my phone or email during this time - but I'm not perfect. I feel better when I can leave the phone in the other room while I'm doing my morning routine. But I show myself grace if I glance at it from time to time.

Do you have a morning routine? If so, what is it? Would you like to establish a morning routine? Contact me and we'll explore together!